Newport ignoring 'outside noise' says Hughes

David Hughes playing career included spells at Aston Villa and Cardiff City

Manager David Hughes says Newport County will ignore the "outside noise" of those predicting the club will struggle in League Two this season.

County finished a disappointing campaign in 22nd position last season, just above the two relegation places.

Hughes, who succeeded Nelson Jardim as County's new boss in May, insists his side will be not be distracted.

"We have no interest in what people think on the outside," Hughes told BBC Sport Wales.

"It's just noise for us. You can't listen to what people think.

"It's about us, as a group of staff with the players to ensure our focus is on ourselves.

"When you look back at the history, the club has always fought back from disappointments and setbacks."

"You look at the teams that are expected to go up and the financial muscle they have and that's great for them, but it comes with pressure and expectation.

"We'll be going all out to ensure that we perform to the best level of our capabilities every week, upset our opponents."

Hughes has signed goalkeepers Nik Tzanev and Jordan Wright, centre-back Lee Jenkins, Wales midfielder Matt Smith and striker Ged Garner during the summer.

Manchester United defender Habeeb Ogunneye and Cardiff City striker Michael Reindorf have joined on loan and while Hughes wants to add further recruits, he is pleased with his squad.

"I'm really confident in the squad – we all have belief in them," he said.

"We're not re-inventing the wheel. We're just trying to be really clear with how we see the game, how we expect players to play and - more importantly - represent the people of Newport.

"That's what the club is and what the club has to do, so when people leave Rodney Parade on a Saturday afternoon they have something to cheer about and we've represented them with some grit, spirit, residence and a little bit of style as well."

Cameron Evans scored the decisive spot kick in David Hughes' first competitive game in charge

County begin the new League Two season at home to Notts County on Saturday.

But Hughes' side have already played one game already - Tuesday's win on penalties away to Barnet in the EFL Cup preliminary round.

"There were some really good aspects of the performance we were really, really pleased with," Hughes added.

"You play every game and there's areas that you want to evolve as you try and progress and that will be no different as we move throughout the season.

"Bear in mind it was four or five days before the season started to get a positive performance and a positive outcome, the lads were really pleased and the staff equally.